AVID
What is AVID?
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system for elementary through higher education that is designed to increase school wide learning and performance. The AVID College Readiness System (ACRS) accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional learning, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change. AVID is an elective course.
The AVID Student
AVID targets students in the academic middle -2.0 to 3.5 grade point average - who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, many are from low-income or minority families. AVID prepares these students for challenging and college level courses: acceleration instead of remediation.
AVID Objectives
AVID is designed to achieve specific objectives:
To foster positive attitudes toward school and higher education.
To help students become knowledgeable about colleges, develop a plan to get in college, and apply to appropriate colleges and for financial aid.
To support students in rigorous college preparatory programs and to enroll students in honors, advanced placement and college classes.
To develop good study habits and academic survival skills, such as, note taking, essay writing, and time management.
To support students in maintaining competitive grade point averages.
The AVID Elective
AVID students are expected to enroll in AVID elective class to support their placement into Honors, Advanced Placement, and/or college classes. For one period a day, they learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that assist in maintaining their dream of obtaining a college degree. Their self-confidence improves, and AVID students become academically successful leaders and role models for other students.
The AVID Curriculum
The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors. It is driven by the WICOR methodologies in the 9th and 10th grade AVID, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. In the 11th and 12th grade AVID, its curricular focus is driven by the ASFI essential skill method: Analyzing a Prompt or Academic Task, Selective and Purpose-Driven Reading, Focused Note-Taking, and Integrating Sources into Texts. AVID curriculum is used in AVID elective classes, and in content-area classes in AVID schools.